"A wilful man must have his way, chevalier; but that Orvieto was a present from Pierrot, Our Lord's most favoured servant."
"Indeed," said the Spaniard; "then I can safely say it is the last present you will receive from Don Pierrot."
"How so?"
"Cesare arrived last night, very suddenly, with two men only, they say. He has not, however, yet seen His Holiness--although he is in the Vatican."
Le Clerc remained silent, but St. Armande asked in his low voice--
"I do not follow, sir. Could you not explain? Unless I ask too much. You see I am a stranger to Rome."
The Spaniard smiled grimly.
"It means, chevalier, that Pierrot was found this morning with a dagger sticking up to the hilt in his heart."
St. Armande turned pale, and Le Clerc asked in a low tone--
"Are you sure of this? When did it happen?"